Two-time boxing world champion tragically killed at 38 in a deadly attack at his home
Zolani Tete, a two-time boxing world champion, was sadly shot and killed at 38 years old in an attack outside his home. A 27-year-old woman who was with him was also hurt and is still in the hospital.
It’s thought that two people wearing balaclavas were waiting for him outside his house. Tete was declared dead at the scene. The Eastern Cape police confirmed his death and shared some details about what happened.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the shooting happened around 6:30 pm local time. “Tete tried to escape the bullets by driving into his yard, but sadly he died at the scene,” Gantana explained. The woman passenger was shot several times and rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in care.
So far, no one has been arrested. The suspects ran away and are still being searched for. Police are working hard to handle everything at the scene.
Zolani Tete will be remembered as a great boxer who won two world titles—the WBF Flyweight and WBO Bantamweight belts. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest title defense ever, stopping his opponent in just 11 seconds back in 2017.
In 2022, Tete was banned from professional boxing after testing positive for a banned substance. At the time of his death, he was getting ready for a comeback. His record was 29 wins and 4 losses. That year, he fought Jason Cunningham and originally won by knockout, but the result was canceled because of the positive drug test.
Tete denied cheating, telling Ring Magazine he believed he was a “clean and fair athlete.” He called the process tough and said he didn’t fully understand what had happened. His suspension was set to end in 2026, and he planned to return to boxing. “My plan is still unfinished,” he said. “I’m excited for my comeback and to get back to winning.”
Police are now investigating his death, which happened in South Africa. No motive or suspects have been found yet.
After the news, Boxing South Africa shared a statement honoring Tete as more than a champion—an icon in South African boxing. They said he made history as one of the country’s few two-weight world champions and expressed sympathy for his family and friends. The statement also asked for privacy for the family during this hard time, calling Tete a true warrior and ambassador for the sport.